Private John Niblock

Private John Niblock (Niblack in the Official Roster) was too young at the outset of the war to sign up. However, since the war did not end as rapidly as most expected, the day did arrive when he turned eighteen and the young patriot proceeded to the recruiters to sign up with in Company F of the Fifth Iowa Cavalry. He served less than a year before the final surrender of the Confederate armies, and returned home to Iowa, a proud veteran of the conflict to preserve the Union.

The following obituary appeared in the April 15, 1914 issue of the Oelwein [Iowa] Register:

John Gray Niblock was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, September 3, 1848 and died in Keokuk, Iowa, April 7, 1914, aged 65 years, 7 months and 4 days.

In 1878 he was married to Dora C. Clark who preceded him to the better land four years ago. Seven children were born to this union. They are: H.S. and O.H. of Kansas City; J.F. of Omaha, Nebraska, W.E. of St. Louis, Missouri: Mrs. Melva G. Robertson of Sumner, Iowa; Mrs. J. R. Jamison of Joplin, Missouri and Miss Laura Niblock of Oelwein.

When about ten years of age he moved with his parents to Oelwein where he grew to manhood. For many years he pursued the occupation of a farmer till he decided to give up farming and moved into the city where he was employed as a rural mail carrier for about six years. On leaving Oelwein he made his home in Keokuk, where he finally passed to his reward.

In October 11, 1864 he enlisted in Co. F Fifth Iowa Cavalry and served till the close of the war, being mustered out at Nashville, Tennessee, August 11, 1865.

In early life he united with the Baptist Church of Oelwein. Since making his home in Keokuk he became interested in Mission work, being connected with one of the city missions where he was a faithful worker. A funeral service was held in the Mission chapel before the body began its journey to Oelwein. The large crowd of comrades and friends who attended this service attest the high regard in which he was held by those who knew him best in his later life. A wide circle of friends both in Keokuk and in Oelwein where so many of his years were lived extend to the bereaved family and relatives their heartfelt sympathy in this the hour of their sorrow.

Funeral services were held in the Baptist Church, April 10, 1914, conducted by the pastor, Rev. A.H. Nickell. Interment took place in Woodlawn cemetery.